MARIA NINO
Treehouse Herb Planter
Cultivating an Experience
Background:
For this design project, we were tasked with creating a complete visual identity for a sustainable brand and developing a product or packaging to support it. We created Treehouse Hardware, a brand centered on eco-conscious DIY products, and designed a DIY Herb Planter kit that would appeal to young adults and young kids curious about growing their own plants. The challenge was designing an all-inclusive kit that delivered an exceptional user experience while authentically representing the brand's sustainability commitment. How do you make packaging feel like an adventure while minimizing environmental impact?
Solution:
We designed the packaging from a single piece of cardboard, with a clever detail: a wooden tray that functioned as both an interior divider and the base for the planters themselves. This dual-purpose design maximized space while minimizing cardboard waste, directly supporting Treehouse Hardware's eco-conscious values. The kit included seeds, soil pellets, gravel, wood glue, and laser-cut wooden pieces, all thoughtfully organized inside. The visual direction drew inspiration from nature, with a natural earthy color palette and geometric illustrations that felt modern and playful. The real magic was in the unboxing experience. The exterior featured wooded landscapes and mountains, setting the stage for exploration. As you opened the box, each layer revealed new elements, creating an immersive journey that felt like discovering hidden treasures. Every detail worked together to make getting started with planting feel intuitive, exciting, and connected to nature.
Team: Courtney Thompson, Lydia Davis, and Maria Nino

AWARDS
ICPF International Corrugated Packaging Foundation
AICC Association of Independent Corrugated Converters
*STUDENT WORK*









